Arthur Van Groningen

Tuesday

Nov 20, 2012 at 5:18 PM

Ripon, CA

Arthur Van Groningen

Dec. 12, 1923 - Nov. 13, 2012

Arthur Van Groningen went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 13, 2012. He will be

remembered for his generosity, love of sports, and his love for his Lord. Art was born on December 12, 1923 in Fresno, California, to Hendrik and Jennie Van Groningen. He and his family then moved to the Hanford area. In 1929, the family moved to Ripon. Art attended Ripon Christian School and Ripon Union High School.

Art was drafted into the Army in 1943. He was in the fleet where the peace treaty was signed with Japan. He was discharged in 1946. He came home to marry the love of his life, Wilna Brandt. They were married for 59 years. They had five children, 14 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren with two on the way.

Art went into farming with his brother, Hank. They farmed together for 29 years. Later, the partnership split and Art went into business with his four sons.

Art has been a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon since he moved here in 1929. He served as a deacon and elder. He also served on the school board for Ripon Christian. He was chairman of the Livestock Auction of Ripon Christian for many years. He loved to golf, bowl, and travel.

Art is survived by his sons, Robert (Sheryl), Dan (Pat), John (Peg), Marv (Joni), his daughter, Donna Slayter (Max), his brothers, Gerard and Hank, 14 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Wilna, two great-granddaughters, Jenna Hiemstra, and Mikkayla Kuil, sister Alice Honcoop, and brother Cornie Van Groningen.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at First Christian Reformed Church, Ripon, CA at 4 p.m. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. where he will be buried with Military Honors preceding the Celebration of Life. Remembrances can be made to Ripon Christian Schools, 435 Maple Ave, Ripon, CA or to Bethany Home, 930 West Main St., Ripon, CA.